Tech, Autos, & Gear in Layman's Terms Since 2006

Prior to using the Balanzza digital luggage scale I had an awkward way of weighing my luggage before leaving on a trip. In order to meet airline weight limits (typically 50 pounds) I’d try to position my fat suitcase on the bathroom scale. This was an imperfect method because it was nearly impossible to read the weight without shifting the suitcase around on the scale which in turn produced inaccurate readings. When I found the Balanzza luggage scale I had to give it a try to see whether it was a better method than the old bathroom scale.

The Balanzza scale is simple to use. I consists of two pieces. The device (scale) itself and a luggage strap that you buckle around the handle of your suitcase.

The scale can be set to measure in pounds or kilos. The weight limit is 100 lb or 44 Kg. Once you pick your luggage up, the device beeps to indicate that the weight has been read. The scale locks in and displays the highest weight measurement. This is a significantly easier method for weighing your luggage than putting it on a tiny bathroom scale and trying to view the weight from underneath your luggage.

Recently Balanzza introduced a new model called the Ergo at the same suggested price of $24.95.

This model is supposed to be more ergonomic and allow for an easier time lifting your luggage. In my testing the old style Balanzza was easy to lift as evidenced by the pictures of my kids weighing the luggage.

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Wayne is a diehard Android user and consultant specializing in Sage 100 ERP Accounting Software. He lives in Glastonbury CT with his two children. When not helping them with their homework or pushing the latest school fundraiser off on his co-workers, he is active hiking and investigating all manner of technology.

Excellent review. May I suggest some additional tests?
1. Compare the result of this scale with a couple of others. Ideally, we should compare it with an airport’s scale (that is, if you going on a trip, compare, then follow up).
2. Have you ever tried to weight something that is more than 100 pounds? Does the scale fall apart and die, does it falsely tell you that the luggage is 100 pounds, or correctly tell you that the luggage is more than 100 pounds?

This looks like a great idea because you can pack it and take it on the trip with you. Our luggage always weighs more on the way home. On one trip this summer we had the fun experience of having to open our luggage in the check-in line and transfer some stuff from one bag to the others to get it within weight. (which really ticked me off, I mean if the total for all our bags was within guidelines how did it help them for us to shift it around.)

BTW, check out Brian Regan’s bit about weighing large packages on a bathroom scale:

Tip: Take the heaviest stuff in carry on which is not weighed and only need fit above you in the bins (some size restrictions). Learned this during SCUBA trip to Bahamas where the instructors advised keeping regulators and dive computers with us to avoid both theft and the weight issue.

Just don’t forget (like I did) that liquids aren’t allowed in carryon or they’ll give you a lecture as if you’re just emerging from first grade and then send you on your way without your liquids.